Real Smooth

In architecture, the solution to a problem is often found not in discussion or on paper but by building something tangible to test our ideas. The same is true for finding problems in need of a solution. While we've calculated, drawn and modeled the Cyclodrome, many facts about its operation have only made sense once it was built.

To ride on the Cyclodrome (or any velodrome) a rider must maintain friction with the track to counter the downward pull of gravity. To maintain friction, the track must constantly curve toward the rider, or at least remain flat. At no point should it slope down, for even the slightest bump or jump will remove the upward resistance of friction, leaving the rider nowhere to go but down. When finishing the frame of the first quadrant, we found that the transition between straight track and curved track was a little too sharp - risking just such a bump.

Above: A support returns from the shop.

The problem lay with our design of supports. We had two systems for measuring the change in support heights down the track - one for curved track, in which angles rose gradually to our maximum angle, and one for straight track, in which angles lowered sharply. When straight track rose to meet curved track, it did so too sharply, producing a bump. After some discussion, we found a solution - raising the lower straight-track supports to produce a higher track with one consistent system of curvature. With some testing, we found new heights for the lowest supports that fit with the rest of the Cyclodrome for a smooth ride once more. With our construction methods, supports were adjusted quickly and easily. Along with these modifications, we also spent the day beginning work on the next quadrants' supports, to ensure a smooth transition along the whole track.

Above: A smooth ride is cause for celebration.